Recapping American wrestling since 2013. Not only following the current stuff in WWE, Impact and ROH but also going back in time and doing stuff from back then as well.
John Cena heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Cena mentions his history in Madison Square Garden and how this will be the last time he will be here and on Raw. He says that this is a very important moment for him when "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio shows up. Dominik says that nobody wants to hear what Cena has to say and that last week, Cena was handed a title shot just like he was handed everything else, then says he has fought for everything he has had. He demands a rematch for the WWE Intercontinental Championship, and when Cena asks the fans how they feel about a rematch tonight, the fans make it clear that they want it. Dominik says that they will do this his way, and that he wants the rematch in San Diego, California at Survivor Series, since Cena will have the hometown advantage tonight. Cena accepts the challenge. Cena then says he told everyone he would have a match tonight, then says he has an opponent in Dominik and challenges Dominik to make history in a non-title match. Finn Balor and JD McDonagh show up, and Dominik says that Cena will get his ass beat instead of the final match on Raw that he wanted. Dominik, McDonagh and Finn Balor attack Cena, when suddenly, Sheamus makes the save for Cena but still gets ganged up on. All of a sudden, Rey Mysterio runs in and brawls with Dominik, evening the numbers game and allowing Cena and Sheamus to clean house. Cena says that he and Dominik both have a team, and makes it a six-man tag match before calling for a referee.
John Cena, Sheamus and Rey Mysterio beat The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, JD McDonagh, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio) in a six-man tag match.
Backstage, Smackdown General Manager Nick Aldis meets with Raw General Manager Adam Pearce regarding Drew McIntyre when Paul Heyman shows up. Heyman says that his actions were within rules and regulations. He then says that if his fourth pick of Drew McIntyre pissed them off, then they should see what he has in store for them next as he hands them a black binder. Pearce opens the binder, and he and Aldis look at the first page before Pearce says "This should be fun."
Actor-comedian Eric Andre, singer Ashley Cooke, members of the Philadelphia Eagles, members of the New York Giants (inclduing Cam Skattebo) and podcaster Andrew Schulz are seen in the front row. We then see footage of The Judgment Day messing with Andrew Schulz in the front row when members of the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Eagles stand beside him and fight back.
Jackie Redmond is in the ring. We see footage of Nikki Bella's heel turn on Stephanie Vaquer from last week, then Jackie Redmond introduces Vaquer to the ring. All of a sudden, she is attacked by Nikki Bella, who says that she came back not to sit on the sidelines or be Vaquer's friend, but to take back the women's division. She thanks Vaquer for reminding her of who she is, and that she will give her a match for the Women's World Championship and bow down to her.
Backstage, Bayley and Lyra Valkyria run into The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane), who need teammates for WarGames. Asuka says she can forget the past and forgive Bayley if she fights with her, but Bayley rejects the offer. Asuka says something in Japanese, then walks away. Kairi Sane pretends to be John Cena until Asuka calls her away. Lyra goes for a high five, but Bayley says "What are you, five? Let's go, you idiot!"
Solo Sikoa's mystery opponent is revealed to be "The Wanted Man" Nic Nemeth, using the Dolph Ziggler name for the first time since leaving WWE.
Solo Sikoa beats Dolph Ziggler to advance in the Last Time is Now Tournament.
We see a video package for Je'Von Evans.
Rapper Lil Yachty (showing off WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2006 on his Sony PlayStation Portable), UFC featherweight fighter Aljamain Sterling, creator of "Hamilton" Lin-Manuel Miranda, Elyse Dudzinski and Stephanie McMahon are seen in the front row.
Alexa Bliss is in the ring. She says that Charlotte Flair has been ignoring her all weekend, then looks into the camera and says that she gets that they lost the women's tag titles and that while titles are easy to get back, trust is not. She says that she has seen the real Charlotte and seen what she could be after all they have been through, then asks when Charlotte has cared about people liking her, and says Charlotte has had her back when she had hers. As Alexa says she has gone to hell and back for Charlotte, The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane), Nia Jax and Lash Legend show up and head to the ring. Asuka laughs at Alexa while Nia Jax makes fun of Alexa for "standing in the ring like a total loser" before stating that she knows why Charlotte left her and that nobody is coming to save her. As the four of them surround the ring, Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky rush to the ring. This leads to a brawl, and Alexa gets knocked out by Lash Legend before Charlotte shows up with a shinai and cleans house. Charlotte helps Alexa up, then Iyo Sky gets close to Rhea.
We hear a snippet of an interview with John Cena about giving approval.
Maxxine Dupri beats Becky Lynch to become the WWE Women's Intercontinental Champion when AJ Lee shows up and distracts Becky Lynch as she removes a top turnbuckle cover. Maxxine Dupri hits Becky Lynch with a top rope cross body as soon as Becky turns around for the pin, the win and the title.
NFL analyst Brandon Marshall, actor and stuntman Chuck Zito, and stand-up comedian Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias are seen in the crowd.
Gunther beats Je'Von Evans by submission with a sleeper hold to advance in the Last Time is Now Tournament.
Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews AJ Lee and Maxxine Dupri. Maxxine says that all of her hard work has finally paid off and that she has beaten one of the best in Becky Lynch, then thanks AJ Lee. AJ Lee says not to thank her, saying she just put a bully in her place. Otis and Akira Tozawa show up and leave with Maxxine to celebrate. AJ Lee says that she just wanted to help CM Punk, but seeing Becky Lynch brought out a fire in her that she never had. She then sees Rhea Ripley, who asks "You got a second to chat?" AJ says "Sure."
We see another casino vignette for WrestleMania 42, this time with CM Punk.
The Vision ("The Oracle" Paul Heyman, Bron Breakker, "Big" Bronson Reed, Logan Paul) heads to the ring. After the commercial break, Drew McIntyre joins them. Heyman introduces everyone and lists off his WarGames accomplishments, then says that this team is the best that he has assembled. Suddenly, CM Punk shows up from the back, and he is soon joined by The Usos, who appear from the crowd. "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes comes out from the back and stands alongside Punk as they and The Usos surround the ring. This leads to a brawl, and CM Punk lays out Drew McIntyre before Brock Lesnar shows up and heads to the ring. Lesnar hits CM Punk with an F5, then Cody fights him only to be thrown around with two German suplexes. Before the show ends, however, Roman Reigns suddenly shows up. Roman and Lesnar come face to face in the ring. They brawl, and Roman ducks a clothesline and hits a Superman Punch. Security arrivs to ensure both men stop fighting, but "Big" Bronson Reed attacks Roman from behind and takes out security. Roman gets up as Bronson goes for a Tsunami and hits Bronson with a Superman Punch. This time, New York City policemen have to work with security, but that does not stop Roman from Spearing Bronson through a barrier. The show then fades to black.
WWE Chief Content Officer Paul "Triple H" Levesque is in the ring to start tonight's show. Triple H says that we are living in a magical time and that everyone, whether it is fans, talent, the media or who is running things in the back, has an opinion over who the best wrestler of all times. He says that there are a lot of categories and criteria to judge who is the best by, but they are all subjective, and he has the ability to see it from many sides as a fan, wrestler, businessman and promoter. Triple H then says that tonight is one of those nights where everybody can agree on one things despite the many sides and angles he can view it from: John Cena is the single biggest asset the business has ever seen and the greatest of all time. He then introduces John Cena to the ring. Cena says that tonight is an amazing night and addresses who he would like his final opponent to be, then says that this is a team effort and that this is not possible without the fans. Cena states that his final match has been brought up a lot, but one person has asked him what to do with his retirement tour. He says he wants to leave wrestling better than he found it and that WWE have allowed him to do that and the fans have put up with him over the years. Cena says that the participants in the Last Time Is Now Tournament will be able to showcase their skills in an effort to be the one to retire him. He then proclaims that at Saturday Night's Main Event on December 13th, it will be the night that closes one chapter and gives a night of opportunity and a chance for Superstars to shine. He also says that the brightest stars NXT have to offer will be there. Cena states that this night will also pave the road head, which is what he wanted to do with this tour, then admits that he wanted to come to Boston, Massachusetts one more time after his history with WWE in the town as a fan and as a performer. As Cena tells the fans in Boston that he wanted to thank them for their support, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio suddenly shows up. Dominik speaks Spanish at the first, then wants to know what Triple H will do after his championship celebration was interrupted last week by a deadbeat, then says he interrupts "old man celebrations" and says that whatever is going on is not as important as him. Cena sizes up the situation, but Dominik says it is not about him or Boston and tells him to stay in the corner, let grown folk handle business and only speak when spoken to or else he will put him down. Cena tells Dominik "Fine speech," then tells Domink that he has forgotten where he is and who he is talking to, and while he would give Dominik a chance in any other town, he is invincible tonight in Boston, and tells Dominik to pick his words carefully or else he will lose the fight he is trying to pick. Cena tells Dominik "Wrong time, wrong place, wrong guy," then - out of the respect he has for Rey Mysterio - he will give Dominik a chance to walk back to the back. Dominik says Cena will need more than magic to touch him, because he is not even at his peak and he is better than Cena ever was in his prime. He says that at any time, any place in any era, he would have whooped Cena's ass, which leads to "You fucked up!" chants from the crowd before Triple H says that he agrees with them and says this is a good era, a good place and "a hell of a time." Triple H then puts Dominik Mysterio in a match against John Cena right here, right now with the Intercontinental Championship on the line before calling for a referee and making the match official.
John Cena beats "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio to become the WWE Intercontinental Champion and a Grand Slam Champion! During the match, the first referee is knocked out when John Cena inadvertently hits him with Dominik's feet as he goes for an Attitude Adjustment, and Cena makes Dominik submit to the STF for nothing as there is no referee. Another referee shows up, and this time, Cena is able to hit the Attitude Adjustment following the 619 and a top rope frog splash from Dominik Mysterio to win the match and the one championship that, until now, he has never held in WWE. Cena thanks the fans in Boston, Massachusetts after the match.
Backstage, John Cena is congratulated by the locker room on his victory and is personally thanked by Rey Mysterio, who says that "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio needed that ass-kicking. Cena says Dominik is a good kid and needed a lesson. "The America Nightmare" Cody Rhodes shows up and congratulates Cena before both men shake hands.
WWE acknowledges Veterans' Day.
Rusev beats Damian Priest to advance in the Last Time is Now Tournament after hitting the Machka Kick after thumbing and gouging Priest's eyes.
Backstage, "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles and Dragon Lee talk with General Manager Adam Pearce regarding potential opponents. Dragon Lee has come up with the team name of "Dragones con Estilo." Maxxine Dupri shows up as Styles and Dragon Lee leave, and Maxxine says that while training is going well, she must take on Becky Lynch. Maxxine gets her shot at the Women's Intercontinental Championship next week. After Pearce leaves, Becky shows up and punches Maxxine before telling her she does not stand a chance.
CM Punk heads to the ring. Punk calls out Logan Paul for his actions last week so he can kick his ass, saying that he is willing to fight in the streets of Boston, Massachusetts if he has to. Logan Paul shows up and says that getting punched in the face by Floyd Mayweather is nothing compared to getting squashed by "Big" Bronson Reed, and says that if you do not conform to The Vision (Paul Heyman, Bron Breakker, "Big" Bronson Reed), you are getting cracked every week. Logan says that he is not in the mood for getting cracked, then says that he thought he knew it all until he was opened to a whole new vision after being splashed by Bronson Reed. The Vision then shows up and stands beside Logan. Heyman calls Punk the single, most unlikable human being he has ever seen in his life as The Vision approach the ring, and says Punk is friendless because Punk betrays his friendships. He calls Punk a miserable bastard and the most unlikable person he has ever seen, and that he could not be any more unlikable unless his name was AJ Lee. Puk says that if AJ was here, she would leave The Vision in a puddle of piss and blood. Punk then says that all falls on him since AJ is not here, then dares all four men to get in the ring. Suddenly, "Main Event" Jey Uso shows up and stands alongside Punk, and they are joined in turn by "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes. This soon starts a brawl all around the ring, and Punk almost gets his hands on Heyman. All three men lay out Bronson Reed, and The Vision have no choice but to back off.
Stephanie Vaquer retains the Women's World Championship against Raquel Rodriguez. After the match, Roxanne Perez attacks Vaquer from behind, but Nikki Bella atacks Roxanne. Vaquer and Nikki soon clean house before Nikki smacks Vaquer in the face with the Women's World Championship.
We see another vignette for WrestleMania 42 where "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns, Brock Lesnar and CM Punk play poker.
Backstage, General Manager Adam Pearce meets with CM Punk, "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso. Punk says he has a team and wants The Vision (Paul Heyman, Bron Breakker, "Big" Bronson Reed, Logan Paul), and when Pearce asks if he is hearing what he thinks he is hearing, Punk calls for William Regal. Regal suddenly shows up and yells "WarGames!"
Sheamus beats Shinsuke Nakamura to advance in the Last Time is Now Tournament.
It is announced that next week, the Last Time is Now Tournament continues with Je'Von Evans vs. a returning Gunther and Solo Sikoa vs. another opponent that General Manager Adam Pearce keeps a surprise.
The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane) beat Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss to become the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions for a third time after Nia Jax and Lash Legend show up to pull Charlotte out of the Figure Eight and beat up Alexa Bliss when she confronts them on the outside, allowing The Kabuki Warriors to hit the double-team on Charlotte for the win and the titles. After the match, Nia and Lash attack Charlotte and Alexa. The Kabuki Warriors get back in the ring to have a staredown with Nia and Lash at first, then all four of them attack the former champions until Iyo Sky runs to the ring. Iyo fends off Nia and Lash, then hits The Kabuki Warriors with a missile drop kick. Nia and Lash soon get the upper hand and go back on the attack with The Kabuki Warriors until Rhea Ripley rushes in wearing a protective facemask and evens the numbers game. Rhea tosses Kairi out of the ring into Asuka, Nia and Lash with a Razor's Edge, then takes a microphone and yells "WarGames!"
John Cena heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Cena says that tonight is a special night and looks back on the start of his retirement tour, and says that he was coming off some bad years and wanted to make up for it by doing great work and leaving it all in the ring. He says that he has nothing planned and that tonight is about having fun, for he has given everything he has during this tour and, and tonight, he is taking it in. Cena states that Chicago, Illinois being unable to use their voices is what makes Chicago special, and that everyone is in for one exciting night, for it is the last time he will be here in WWE and his last time on SmackDown. He says that in this exact same city, he debuted and slapped Kurt Angle and started the ride that has lasted for over two decades. He talks about how he has faced Triple H, has held United States Open Challenges and even lost to CM Punk in this city. He says he was honored and thankful to start in Chicago and experience everything that he could in the city, which leads to "Thank You, Cena!" chants as he says that the city let him experience joy. Cena thanks the fans for "a beautiful ride" and tells everyone to enjoy tonight's show before Sami Zayn suddenly shows up. Sami says he has watched Cena over the past year and that it would not feel right not to thank him on behalf of the locker room for everything he has done for them as well as for him. He talks about how he made his main roster debut against John Cena for the United States Championship and how he now holds the title, then says he wants to pay it forward like Cena did with honor and dignity. Sami asks for Cena's blessing to start his own United States open challenge, which Cena gives him before Sami states that if this is the last chance they share a ring together, then he must pay Cena back with a United States title match right now. Cena accepts the challenge and shakes Sami's hand before calling for a referee.
John Cena vs. Sami Zayn for the WWE United States Championship ends in a no-contest. During the match, Brock Lesnar shows up, pulls the referee out of the ring and hits Sami with an F-5 before doing the same to Cena. Lesnar then picks Cena up again for a second F-5 before leaving.
Backstage, Brock Lesnar tells John Cena that he will see him at Wrestlepalooza.
Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis is met by Melo Don't Miz (Carmelo Hayes and The Miz), who get a tag team title match from a distracted Aldis. After Aldis leaves, Becky Lynch shows up at the arena.
We hear from Aleister Black, who says that he hoped that WWE would change only to find that the well is still poisoned. He says that he must purify the well and if that leads to his own ruin, so be it. He says that Priest will be the king who falls on his sword and that Priest always follows the rules, unlike him, who follows them until he does not.
Aleister Black beats Damian Priest after attacking him mercilessly before the match and grabbing onto referee Ryan Tran's shirt collar to block Priest's choke slam before hitting Priest with Black Mass for the win.
We see a video package for the feud between Randy Orton and Drew McIntyre.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Tiffany Stratton. Tiffany says that all the talk from Jade Cargill will come to an end next week. Meanwhile, Cargill watches the interview from elsewhere before Nia Jax shows up. Jade says that when she wins the WWE Women's Championship, Nia can come get her shot.
Backstage, Becky Lynch is met by General Manager Nick Aldis, who warns her that she cannot have any more issues tonight, as CM Punk is in the building.
Coby White of the Chicago Bulls is seen in the front row.
Giulia retains the WWE Women's United States Championship against "Michin" Mia Yim following the distraction by Kiana James. Kiana punches Michin a few times after the match.
Backstage, Alexa Bliss meets Charlotte Flair in the trainer's room. Charlotte wants revenge, but Alexa says now is not the time and that Charlotte needs to rest up.
Seth "Freakin'" Rollins shows up in the crowd. He says that tonight, the legend of CM Punk dies, right here, right now, and to do the honors, he introduces Becky Lynch. Becky heads to the ring and chastises the fans for chanting for Punk while she is in the ring, then goes on to ask Chicago, Illinois if they know what greatness looks like before bashing all of the city's sports teams (except the Chicago Bears) as well as the fans and Punk. CM Punk soon shows up and heads to the ring, then says it is not about Becky and more about Rollins, who he calls a coward. Becky asks Punk if he is embarrassed, but Punk says he has nothing to be embarrassed about, unlike Rollins, who keeps hiding. Becky asks Punk how his face and pride are feeling as the crowd chants "AJ Lee." Becky tells the crowd to shut up, but Punk takes offense to that and says he has people who can kick her ass. Becky eventually slaps CM Punk multiple times again while Rollins has fun in the crowd. Punk leaves the ring, and Becky tells Punk to run away and calls him an embarrassment to Chicago. Punk says he was trying to avoid this situation, as he would never put his hands on a lady, then says he has somebody who will: AJ Lee, who shows up for the first time in over ten years. Becky charges at AJ Lee, but AJ Lee gets the upper hand with the ground and pound before slapping Becky in the face. Becky flees before Punk joins AJ Lee in the ring and Rollins regroups with Becky to end the show.
John Cena heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Cena says that he and the fans have come a long way and that WWE was afraid to come back to Montreal, Quebec, Canada because they thought the fans would hijack the show, but he was never afraid of that, as the audience is the show. Cena says that he can understand why, as he can definitely feel the energy of the fans in Montreal. He admits that the fans in Montreal can be unpredictable, he can still lean into the fans and enjoy every single second. He then states that nothing lasts forever, and the fans chant "Thank you, Cena!" before Cena says he has shared many valuable moments in the ring and thanks the fans. Cena says that he has eleven more shows after tonight, and every night he gets more and more afraid that whatever he does will never be enough and that he will let the fans down. Cena also fears that the fans will forget about him when he is gone and the WWE moves on. He then addresses Brock Lesnar, saying he would never choose Lesnar as an opponent in any universe, but he has also never backed down from Lesnar in any universe. Cena says Brock Lesnar just gave himself "a John Cena problem," as does anyone else who wants to challenge him, and he is down and ready for a fight. If Lesnar wants some, he can come get some, and if anyone else wants to face him, he plans to go down guns blazing. He says that the last time is now, and "If you want some, come get some!" Suddenly, Logan Paul shows up and says that Cena is making him sick now that he is face again and that he does not even know Cena anymore. Cena tells Logan that he just made the biggest mistake of his like, but Logan says they will see about that. He says that nobody knows who Cena is while he has been real since day one, and that Cena has stated that he can do WWE better than any professional wrestler. Logan says that even includes Cena, to which Cena admits to before calling Logan "the biggest dumbass [he has] ever seen in [his] life." Logan calls Cena a liar and just says whatever he is told to say, then says he is the show, not the fans. He states that Cena is now a charity case and is giving out matches, then entertains wrestling Cena. Cena loves the idea, but Logan wants to do this at Clash in Paris, saying Montreal does not deserve this. As Logan continues to speak, Cena is attacked from behind by Drew McIntyre. McIntyre and Logan perform a sarcastic "Thank you, Cena" before they go back on the attack and "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes shows up to even the numbers and help Cena clean house. Cena then accepts Logan's challenge for Clash in Paris, then notes that Logan and McIntyre want to fight and that it seems like he might have a partner in Cody. He then challenges the both of them to a tag team match tonight.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley). Alex Shelley says SummerSlam may have been brutal, but they have a legacy of getting knocked down and getting backed up. Chris Sabin says they may not be champion, but they have what it takes, and they will climb their way back to the top again.
JC Mateo and Talla Tonga beat The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley). After the match, Solo Sikoa says that his group is what greatness looks like and that they are soon to be the WWE Tag Team Champions while he is the most dominant WWE United States Champion. He says it is a shame that he is ready for a fight, yet there is nobody in the back to fight, and that he and his group are leaving to go celebrate. General Manager Nick Aldis suddenly shows up and says he has a special guest in the house tonight who is also ready for a fight and ready to go right now: Sami Zayn.
Sami Zayn beats Solo Sikoa after fending off Tanga Loa, JC Mateo and Talla Tonga before ducking the Samoan Spike and winning with a schoolkid pin.
Backstage, Charlotte Flair meets with Alexa Bliss, saying that she has something for her ahead of her birthday tomorrow and that she will see what it is in the ring.
It is announced that WWE and ESPN have agreed to a deal which will bring WWE's premium live events to ESPN's direct-to-consumer streaming service at the beginning of 2026.
We hear from The Wyatt Sicks (Uncle Howdy, Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis, Erick Rowan, Nikki Cross). Uncle Howdy says they will never lead one astray and that when they speak, they will always speak truth. He says this is what they always sought out to do. Joe Gacy says they have shown that power is nothing more than a harmless illusion. Dexter Lumis says they woke the tag team division up to the reality they have hidden, and Nikki Cross says this is not about fear. Erick Rowan says it is about something bigger, and that there are more lessons to be learned, and that the story has just begun.
Backstage, #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) and Candice LeRae confronts The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) and B-Fab for losing the WWE Tag Team Champions and putting them in the mess they are in. Candice LeRae is not happy about the bruise on her leg. General Manager Nick Aldis walks in on the argument and says he will get control of the tag team division if it is the last thing he does, starting with DIY and The Street Profits in a match next week.
Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss make their way to the ring. Charlotte tells Alexa that she is sharing the spotlight with her in commemoration of two celebrations. The birthday cake with Charlotte Flair's name over Alexa's is noted, then Charlotte tells Alexa she has a gift for her. Alexa has her misgivings about the pink gift box, and Charlotte opens the box to reveal a brand new Lilly doll with a "We're Not Friends" T-shirt on. She also reveals that "Charlie" - the Charlotte doll that Alexa gave her four years ago - is in the box. Alexa is amazed, but Charlotte says that is not enough and allows Alexa to hug her, which Alexa is about to do after some hesitation before Chelsea Green and her Secret Hervice arrive. Chelsea Green makes fun of Montreal, Quebec, Canada for not seeing champions often before mocking the Lily and Charlie dolls and stating that she and her homecoming should be celebrated. Charlotte then says she has one more gift for Alexa: kicking Chelsea Green's ass tonight. Chelsea tries to get out of it, but General Manager Nick Aldis shows up with a brand new referee, whose first assignment will be Chelsea Green vs. Charlotte Flair right now.
Backstage, Carmelo Hayes runs into The Miz as he tries to meet with General Manager Nick Aldis. Carmelo is not happy that The Miz left him high and dry and that he is going for a United States title shot. The Miz says that he has gotten with Nick Aldis and that they will have a tag team match next week to remind everyone of who they are, which Carmelo approves of. Aldis shows up after Carmelo leaves, revealing that he never made the tag team match official and that he is about to talk to Aldis about it.
Charlotte Flair beats Chelsea Green by submission with the Figure Eight after Chelsea calls for the birthday cake and goes for an Un-Pretty-Her into the cake only for Charlotte to reverse the move with one of her own, send Chelsea into the cake, and make her submit with the Figure Eight. After the match, Alexa and Charlotte celebrate with the birthday cake.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Tiffany Stratton. Tiffany says she wants to keep defending the WWE Women's Championship like she always was. Jade Cargill shows up and says that next time, the story will be different, but Tiffany says she will stay WWE Women's Champion. Giulia and Kiana James show up after Cathy Kelley and Tiffany leave, and Kiana hands Cargill a business card in case she wants to face Giulia for the Women's United States Championship. Michin shows up, and Jade Cargill hands her the business card.
We hear from Aleister Black, who says that he is allowed to use violence to stop a greater violence from happening, and that conviction is the true difference between good and evil. He says that he is more of "an eye for any other limb" kind of guy and that Damian Priest is now at home nursing a hairline fracture in his jaw. He says that when someone pushes Priest, he pushed back, but when he gets pushed, he pushes the other person off the cliff and watches the other person fall to their death, and if that makes him evil, so be it.
Backstage, Ron Killings runs into John Cena. They both do the "mirror man" thing and says the real Cena is back, and if the real Cena is back, then so is R-Truth. Cena explains himself while turning the tables on R-Truth at the same time, then says it is good to have R-Truth back.
John Cena and "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes beat Logan Paul and Drew McIntyre by disqualification after Logan hits Cena with a low blow in full view of the referee. After the match, Cena and Logan brawl their way to the back, while Cody continues to fight McIntyre on the outside. McIntyre blasts Cody with the Undisputed WWE Championship to the face, then looks at the title before Claymore Kicking Cody through the bottom of the announce desk.
LA Knight heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Knight talks about Seth "Freakin'" Rollins and company screwed him out of King of the Ring and how he could not let it slide and how he had to pay them back, and it got him thinking. Heyman then says he happens to be "the biggest LA Knight fan in all of WWE" and that LA Knight needs to get the ell out of Grand Rapids, Michigan or else something bad will happen to him before the end of the night. LA Knight takes this as an empty threat and says that Rollins is the latest person that Heyman is leeching onto, and tells him that he would usually punch his wisdom teeth down his throat, but he will not do that...yet. Knight decides to have a match with Heyman that he could have had with Rollins, then gives Heyman the first shot with his back turned. Heyman instead leaves the ring and stands on the outside. Heyman tells Knight that the "something bad" was a spoiler, not a prediction (or an empty threat), and Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed show up and attack LA Knight. LA Knight fights back with a metal folding chair, and Heyman has to hold Breakker and Bronson back.
Backstage, Paul Heyman tells Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed that everything is in their favor when Byron Saxton shows up for an interview. After Breakker barks at Byron, Byron announces that Bronson Reed will take on LA Knight. Heyman tells Bronson that patience is not a virtue; it is a strategy.
Asuka beats Alexa Bliss to advance in the Queen of the Ring Tournament after getting the knees up for Twisted Bliss.
Backstage, Michin, B-Fab and Jade Cargill are backstage. Michin and B-Fab say they should be making their own statements like Asuka and leave, then Byron Saxton shows up and interviews Cargill. Jade Cargill says Roxanne Perez has potential but is still trying to prove herself. She says this is a throne room, not a proving ground, and she is in this to win this.
Backstage, Alexa Bliss is met by Chelsea Green and The Secret Hervice (Piper Niven and Alba Fyre). Charlotte Flair shows up as they argue, and says she will make Chelsea tap tonight. Alexa tells Charlotte she did not need her help, but Charlotte says she was not here to help her.
Before the next match, Ron Killings suddenly shows up and attacks Kit Wilson before putting him in the STF. Killings demands John Cena get in the ring, and officials have to pull Killings off Kit Wilson.
Backstage, Jamie Noble tells Ron Killings to calm down. Aleister Black shows up wanting to know why Killings is getting involved in his match. Killings says it is nothing personal, then Damian Priest stands between them, wanting a word with Killings. Aleister leaves, and Priest tells Killings to focus his energy on his match with Cena tonight and maybe they could celebrate. Killings loves the sound of this.
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes heads to the ring. Before Cody can say anything, "Main Event" Jey Uso heads to the ring from the crowd. Jey tells Cody that they have done a lot together, but on Monday, there is only room for one of them, and he knows they are gunning for the same thing. Sami Zayn shows up and heads to the ring, and says that he is sharing with two great friends and two of the best the business has to offer, yet he has never won the World Heavyweight Championship. He says he was there to congratulate Jey when he won the World Heavyweight Championship, and that he was one of the first to congratulate Cody when he finished his story and beat Roman Reigns. Sami says it is time for him to finish his story when Randy Orton shows up and states that while he respects everyone else in the ring, he will have no problem going through them. He also says Sami will be a world champion one day, but not at SummerSlam, as he will beat him tonight.
Randy Orton beats Sami Zayn to advance in the King of the Ring Tournament after countering the Helluva Kick with an RKO.
Nia Jax heads to the ring. Nia Jax says Tiffany Stratton went under her wing because of what she could do for her, but now she has betrayed her and now has her title. Suddenly, Tiffany shows up. Tiffany says Nia is like a toxic ex she cannot get away from, then tells Nia to get over it and realize she is better than her. Nia Jax demands a title rematch, then Tiffany says this is her lucky day because she has that match next week and that she will have more fun adding more scars to her "five-head" of hers, as it will be Last Woman Standing. Nia goes for a cheap shot, starting a brawl, and ends up getting the last word before raising up the WWE Women's Championship, teasing leaving the ring, and hitting Tiffany with another leg drop. As Nia Jax tells the commentary team that she is taking her title back, Naomi tries to cash in on Tiffany, but Nia pulls her out of the ring. This leads to Tiffany taking out the both of them.
We see a video package chronicling the history between John Cena and CM Punk.
Charlotte Flair beats Chelsea Green by submission with the Figure Eight. After the match, The Secret Hervice attack Charlotte, but Alexa Bliss gets in the ring and hits Chelsea with Sister Abigail while Charlotte cleans house. Alexa extends her hands, but Charlotte walks past her.
Backstage, Solo Sikoa tells JC Mateo that he will smooth things over with Jacob Fatu, then tells him to be ready for a fight.
Solo Sikoa heads to the ring. Solo Sikoa asks Jacob Fatu to come to the ring so they can clear the area. Jacob Fatu shows up and heads to the ring. Solo tells Jacob that he does not want to fight him and that he has always loved him, and that being Tribal Chief has taught him to love and take care of his family, even as family fights and makes up all the time.He says that he wants the both of them to move forward, even when he was the only one to see something in Jacob Fatu and bring him to WWE to change his life and put food on the table for his family, which he did because he loves him. Solo says that he does not have anybody else but Jacob, and asks Jacob to come back to the family. This leads to the fans chanting "Bullshit!" Jacob says that Solo has been using him to gain power, fight his battles and stay Tribal Chief, and that Solo brought him in to enrich himself. He says that since he won the United States title, Solo is the one that is acting differently, and that the United States title just might be the problem here. He then says that if it is, then Solo will have to fight him for it. Jacob also warns Solo that he knows what he is about and that he knows what will happens if he challenges him. Solo goes for a cheat shot, but Jacob blocks it and headbutts him. JC Mateo shows up and gets involved, and as Solo and Mateo gang up on Jacob, Jimmy Uso shows up only to be overpowered as well. Jacob sees what is going on, gets up, and gets the better of both Solo and Mateo. He then looks at Jimmy Uso before going for a moonsault, and Solo rolls out of the ring before he can hit it.
LA Knight beats Bronson Reed by disqualification after Bron Breakker hits LA Knight with a Spear. After the match, Bronson holds Knight down for another Spear, then goes for not one, not two, but three Tsunamis and hits them all.
Backstage, Jacob Fatu says that next week, he will dog walk Solo Sikoa for the United States Championship.
Ron Killings beats John Cena by disqualification. During the match, John Cena tries to walk out of the match with the WWE Championship, but when Ron Killings goes after him, Cena hits him with the WWE Championship. After the match, CM Punk shows up and fights Cena, but Cena hits Punk with a kick to the groin before hitting him with the WWE Championship and producing a table from underneath the ring. Cena then puts Punk through the table with an Attitude Adjustment before cutting his own "pipe bomb" on Punk, telling him that before he leaves in six months with the WWE Championship, he has a lot to get off his chest. He says that he, not Punk, is not just the best in the world but the greatest of all time, then calls Punk "the best bullshitter in the world" and admits he is jealous of Punk for convincing everyone he is the best in the world and getting everyone to chant for him. He then says that nobody believes a word Punk says before he asks Claudio Castagnoli, Nic Nemeth and Matt Cardona how they are doing and saying that Punk is "Mr. TKO" and that his tweets are strong but his actions are weak. Cena states that Punk was the best in the world for seven minutes back in 2011 and that if he still believes that after next week, then it is a small world after all. He tells CM Punk to bring his A-game, as the mood is starting to change. A referee checks on Punk, but Cena says he does not need to do more damage, as Punk has a big match ahead of him. He says that while the fans will chant for Punk, everyone will be smart enough to know the truth: the champ is here. He tells USA Network to keep the last two minutes as he does not need a pipe bomb to blow up the building, then thanks Punk for letting him borrow his promo to make him look even more foolish.
WWE Chief Content Office Paul "Triple H" Levesque heads to the ring to start tonight's show. As the crowd chants "Thank You, Hunter!", Triple H says he is here to thank the fans for making something very special happen, and he can now really tell them that WrestleMania 40 was the greatest of all time by every single metric and standard, and according to the fans. Triple H thanks the fans, and after welcoming everyone to tonight's show, he welcomes everyone to a new time and a new era, and he introduces the man who will lead everyone into the new era: "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes. Cody and Triple H shake hands, then Triple H raises Cody's hand. The crowd chants "You deserve it!" to Cody, and Triple H congratulates Cody to ending one of the greatest reigns of all time, headlining the greatest WrestleMania, and bringing 20,000 people to last night's show. Triple H then mentions that some friends of Cody's who work in the back have prepared something special for Cody, which he will now share with everyone. We then see a video package celebrating Cody's path to the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. Cody tears up during the video package, and Triple H and Cody hug. The crowd chants "You deserve it!" once again, and Cody lays the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship in the middle of the ring and kneels down to kiss it. Cody asks ring announcer Samantha Irvin to declare him the new Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, which she does, then talks about he laid his goals - which have now become reality - out two years ago. He then says that if the air feels a little thin, it is because everyone is standing on top of the mountain, and that he acknowledges Roman Reigns' accomplishments and calls him "one of the most important Superstars of our generation." The fans chant "Thank you, Roman!" before Cody states that he was destined to defeat Roman, then talks about his "why" for doing what he does, then shows video of one of his main "whys," his daughter. He wants her to know that when he goes to work, he goes to work in the main event, and when he is fighting, he is no longer fighting as challenger, but instead as champion. He admits that this has been a difficult predicament, for after standing in line, the line is now for him. Cody re-introduces himself, saying he was once undesirable, then undeniable, and now Undisputed WWE Universal Champion. Suddenly, The Rock shows up and heads to the ring, and the fans call him a "mother hater." The Rock tries to speak, but he gets booed as he puts the microphone near his mouth. The fans then chant "Shut the fuck up!" and "Rocky sucks!" When The Rock says he is a lot of things and that "sucks" is not one of them, the fans chant "It don't matter" and "asshole" before trying to boo him out of the building again. The Rock says he came here to deliver flowers to Cody and announce that Philadelphia broke another record for the gathering of trailer park trash. He then dares the fans to chant "Shut the fuck up!" again. As expected, the fans chant it again, but the fans cheer again when Cody raises up his championship. The Rock then raises up his People's Championship belt only to get booed. The Rock then says he came out here to give Cody his flowers and tells Cody he did it. He says that the fans can chant what they want, then says Cody beat Roman and finished his story even after all that he did to him. He says that Cody's mother is and should be proud of him and that his father Dusty Rhodes would be too, as he cites Dusty as one of his heroes and how their fathers were good friends up and down the road before stating he does not care what his own father would think of him now.The Rock mentions how his belt means a lot of him as much as Cody's does to him, then asks if there is any way The Rock can hold on to that title, as he has grown up in show business but has never held the Undisputed title. The Rock thanks Cody before the two of them swap championship belts again, saying it means a lot, then announces that he "has to go away for a little while now." He says that as much as he does not want to and after how he and Cody made wrestilng cool again, during which the crowd sings "Na Na Hey Hey (The Goodbye Song)," but when he comes back, he will come back for Cody. Cody tells The Rock that he looks forward to it. The Rock says he also looks forward to it, then tells Cody how he won at Night One before Cody went on to Night Two, and that while Cody's story with Roman has ended, their story has just begun. Cody says he believes that, saying that The Rock is not just "The Final Boss" but his literal boss as part of the TKO board of directors, but reminds him that he is the people's champion, and that means he is The Rock's champion. The Rock agrees, then has one more thing for Cody before he rides off into the sunset. He holds Cody's hand, then tells Cody that he does not have to open his hand to see what it is, and tells him not to break his heart again. The Rock lets go of Cody's hand, and he leaves as Cody watches.
We are introduced to the Spanish announce team of Marcelo Rodriguez and Jerry Soto.
Ilja Dragunov beats Shinsuke Nakamura.
We see a video package where Drew McIntyre is furious about losing the World Heavyweight Championship in a matter of minutes.
The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio, JD McDonagh) is in the ring. Finn Balor tells all the doubters who thought that Rhea Ripley could not retain and that Damian Priest could not retain that they were all wrong. Dominik declares that Rhea is still the World Women's Champion even as he is booed out of the building, and Rhea Ripley makes her way to the ring. Rhea says WrestleMania was almost perfect, and that this will be addressed, and that two things came out of this: Mami is always on top and that The Judgment Day is in a new era. Finn Balor then introduces Damian Priest, who heads to the ring. The crowd chants "You deserve it!", and Priest responds with "You're damn right, I do!" He says that "The Terror Twins" are world champions and that everyone should rise for The Judgment Day. Suddenly, R-Truth shows up to celebrate "all of us." He says he has brought the Raw Tag Team titles back to The Judgment Day, then says that while The Judgment Day is picky about who they let in the group, he is only one-half of the tag champs. The Miz then shows up and heads to the ring. The Miz has to tell R-Truth he does not want to be in The Judgment Day and that R-Truth is not in the group, but R-Truth insists that he is. Miz drags R-Truth to his side before announcing that he and R-Truth are tag champs now. Finn Balor says The Miz thinks he is funny and that it is funny that The Awesome Truth (The Miz and R-Truth) will have the shortest reign in history when they put their titles on the line, right here, right now. R-Truth then says as fun as that is, they cannot, as there are only "three of us," as there will be a six-man tag match where he and The Miz tag with "the guy you can't see." JD McDonagh accepts the challenge, and The Miz says he would like to physically see his partner. R-Truth says that this person would like to celebrate but would rather tag instead, and as he introduces him, The Judgment Day (Finn, Priest, Rhea, Dominik, McDonagh) attack The Awesome Truth.
The Awesome Truth (The Miz and R-Truth) beat The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio, JD McDonagh) in a three-on-two handicap match after John Cena shows up to be The Awesome Truth's third man.
We hear from "Big" Bronson Reed, who says he steps into the ring not just to win, but to break his opponents, and winning the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal is just the beginning. He says his opponents tonight will learn a lesson in raw dominance, as he is here to conquer and prove who the real heavyweight champion should be.
The WrestleMania weekend total five-event attendance is 201,924.
Backstage, Rhea Ripley talks with Dominik Mysterio, who says that he will talk to General Manager Adam Pearce about dealing with Andrade. All of a sudden, Rhea is attacked with a metal folding chair by Liv Morgan, and officials have to break up the brawl.
Roxanne Perez beats Indi Hartwell after raking Indi's eyes as Candice LeRae - who tripped Roxanne earlier in the match - is on the apron distracting the referee. After the match, Candice gives Indi a hard time again.
Backstage, Sami Zayn meets with "Main Event" Jey Uso. Both of them are proud of each other for their WrestleMania wins.
Backstage, Roxanne Perez runs into Natalya, who says that she will see her tomorrow night at NXT. Roxanne tells Natalya she will see her tomorrow night "on [her] show."
Sami Zayn heads to the ring. Sami says he has been lucky the past few years at WrestleMania, and while he has done some historical things, he wanted to do something historical this year, and he did. He says that is not entirely true, as the one who did something historical was Gunther, and that a 666-day reign as champion cannot be taken away from him. He says that while Gunther was the best Intercontinental Champion of all time, he took it away from him. Sami says that he cannot take all the credit for this, and thanks the fans for supporting him along the way. He also says seeing his wife and son as well as Kevin Owens backstage helped him. He then says that one other guy helped him out, too, but before he can mention him, Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci show up. Kaiser says that for the past two years, Gunther put everything into making the Intercontinental Championship the most prestigious championship within WWE, and that it breaks his heart to see someone like Sami holding it right now. He says that Sami looks like "all these peasants in Philadelphia tonight" and that the new champion "looks like a bum." Kaiser says that on behalf of Gunther, he and Vinci are here to make this right. Kaiser and Vinci surround the ring before Chad Gable show up to stand alongside Sami.
We see a vignette for Sheamus.
Sami Zayn and Chad Gable beat Imperium (Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci).
Backstage, we hear from "Main Event" Jey Uso, who says it was personal at WrestleMania, but tonight, it is just him, and he is going to give his opponents a beatdown to become #1 contender for the World Heavyweight Championship.
Backstage, Raw, SmackDown and NXT General Managers Adam Pearce, Nick Aldis and Ava congratulate Andrade, then talk about the upcoming WWE Draft. Chelsea Green suddenly shows up and complains about not being at WrestleMania, and threatens to complain to top brass. Pearce tells Chelsea that he has something for her, and Aldis says she will not be disappointed. Chelsea says that she wants her moment. Pearce tells her that if she heads to the ring right now, her moment awaits.
WWE has sold out seventeen consecutive televised events.
The WWE Draft starts on the April 26th SmackDown and concludes on the April 29th Raw.
Chelsea Green heads to the ring, where she finds out that she is in a match with Jade Cargill.
Jade Cargill quickly beats Chelsea Green with a pump kick followed by Jaded.
Before the next match, Drew McIntyre says that what happened last night was "pure and utter B.S." and that he only had his moment for 5 minutes and 46 seconds, which is "five minutes longer than [the fans] last in bed," and while he does not like Rollins, he respects Rollins for standing by his convictions, going out on his shield and sharing a moment only warriors know about. He then says "that bondage Undertaker" Damian Priest ruined the moment and that the Money In The Bank Briefcase is a joke that cost him a world title twice and cheapens everything both he and Rollins did. He says the World title will come back to him, then blames CM Punk for Priest cashing in on him and calls him a coward for attacking him when he turned his back. McIntyre then says it is "on sight" and that he will go for the rest of Punk's body when he returns. McIntyre then takes his anger out on the commentators when "Main Event" Jey Uso shows up.
"Main Event" Jey Uso beats Drew McIntyre, "Big" Bronson Reed and Ricochet in a Fatal 4-Way to become #1 contender for the World Heavyweight Championship after CM Punk comes out from underneath the ring to grab McIntyre by the foot to stop the Claymore Kick, allowing Jey Uso to hit McIntyre with a superkick, a Spear and an Uso Splash to win the match and the title shot.
This week on Raw Talk: Ilja Dragunov! Alpha Academy (Chad Gable, Otis, Maxxine Dupri, Akira Tozawa)! Jade Cargill!
Bray Wyatt heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Bray introduces himself to everyone and says that deep down, he does not think of himself as a good person even though he tries hard to be one, and when he looks back at the horrible things he has done to get here, he does not regret much. He then says that he did something that he regretted last week - attacking a cameraman in cold blood when he did not deserve it - but when he tries to apologize to the cameraman, L.A. Knight shows up. Knight says that Bray cannot keep his composure or even finish a sentence and that he attacked a cameraman. He says that Bray is "the responsible party" and that it is time to cash the check. L.A. Knight then says that Bray Wyatt used to be something and that he used to a force, but all he has proven is that he is "a broken down loser." He then says he has the medicine, and at Royal Rumble, he will put him out of his misery. Bray calls Knight "a little idiot" and asks him who he thinks he is talking to, then says he has been patient and knew that he could have ended this whenever he wanted. He then says it is time to remind everyone and him how cruel he can be when he feels like it. Bray Wyatt then accepts L.A. Knight's challenge. Afterwards, Uncle Howdy approaches the ring and takes off his hat, then enters the ring. He looks at L.A. Knight, then at Bray, then stands besides Bray. Uncle Howdy then hits Bray Wyatt with Sister Abigail, and L.A. Knight is left wondering what is going on. Howdy then leaves the ring, puts his hat back on, and walks away.
Backstage, Sami Zayn meets with Paul Heyman. Heyman says he and Roman Reigns have been talking about Sami's statement of loyalty as well as his words towards John Cena and Kevin Owens, and says that Roman is proud of him. After addressing that Roman has also mentioned the crowd cheering for Sami - and cautions Sami not to let the fans chant his name - Heyman then tells him that one stays three steps ahead at all times on the island of relevancy, then allows him to see Roman.
Solo Sikoa beats Sheamus after Jey Uso distracts the referee so that Jimmy Uso can pull Solo Sikoa to safety out of the Texas Cloverleaf before he and Jey brawl with Ridge Holland and Butch. Before the match begins, Don West's death is acknowledged on WWE programming by Michael Cole. After the match, The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) and Solo Sikoa attack Sheamus, then Solo grabs a chair and wraps it around Sheamus' head. As he goes for the hip attack in the corner, Drew McIntyre shows up. McIntyre fends off Solo Sikoa and hits Jimmy Uso with the Claymore, then Jey pulls Jimmy to safety.
"Rowdy" Ronda Rousey retains the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship against Raquel Rodriguez following an arm bar from the middle rope after Baszler helds Ronda get a rope break. After the match, Charlotte Flair suddenly shows up for the first time in months. Ronda Rousey mocks Charlotte as she asks if she is challenging for Royal Rumble, but Charlotte says she is challenging her tonight. Ronda draps the title on the mat and tells Charlotte that she is lucky because she is feeling spicy, despite the protests from Baszler. This starts another championship match which ends in Charlotte countering the arm bar with a pinfall attempt to become WWE SmackDown Women's Champion and a 14-time women's champion in WWE.
Backstage, Sami Zayn and Roman Reigns talk about their holiday, then talk about their match before Sami asks Roman if the chants for him bother him. Roman says he is not bothered, and both he and Sami agree tonight will be a great night.
We see footage of Dominik Mysterio and Rhea Ripley showing up at Rey Mysterio's parents house on Christmas only for Dominik to get arrested.
Backstage, everyone makes light of Top Dolla's botched dive over the top rope from last week. When Ricochet says that Top Dolla has learned that it is not as easy as he makes it, Top Dolla shoves Ricochet with authority.
It is announced that Bray Wyatt vs. L.A. Knight will be in the "MTN DEW Pitch Black" Match at Royal Rumble.
Imperium (Gunther, Ludwig Kaiser, Giovanni Vinci) head to the ring. After the commercial break, Kaiser says that 2022 was the year of The Ring General, and Vinci says Gunther has become the most dominant Intercontinental Champion in history and that nobody will take the title away from him. We then see a video package of all the challengers that Gunther has turned away, then Braun Strowman shows up. Strowman mentions that Gunther did not put him in his video and says that he did not beat him, and says that while there may not be a man who can beat him, but he is a monster. Imperium brush him off, then Strowman says that he is telling him he is taking him on for the title and not asking him for turning Gunther around and fending off all of Imperium. As Strowman charges through everyone on the outside, Gunther sidesteps Strowman, sending him through the timekeeper's area barricade so he can hit him with a chair. Gunther then proceeds to punish Strowman in the ring, and officials have to run into the ring to stop Gunther. Ricochet then runs into the ring with a chair to make the save for Strowman (with the chair glancing off Gunther in the process).
Kevin Owens and John Cena beat Roman Reigns and Sami Zayn.
This week on The SmackDown LowDown: Drew McIntyre! Tegan Nox! Ricochet! During Tegan Nox's interview, Xia Li shows up and tells Tegan Nox she can beat her anytime, anywhere.
The show begins with WWE Chairman Vince McMahon coming out of limo. After asking his driver to wash something off near a rear headlight, he heads into the arena.
Braun Strowman shows up. He says that Brock Lesnar will never admit that he has been afraid of him, and that he looked over his shoulder whenever he had a Money In The Bank contract or a Universal Championship opportunity, and kept his title by any means necessary. He tells Lesnar that he is all healed up and that Baron Corbin is no longer in power, and that nobody will be able to save Lesnar from his biggest fear: Strowman taking the Universal Championship from him. Suddenly, Corbin shows up and says that while the people believe in Strowman, he keeps losing to Lesnar. He tells Strowman to give up while he wins the men's Royal Rumble match and goes on to a WrestleMania main event. Strowman chases Corbin to the back, and attacks Sunil Singh while looking for him. He then looks around for Corbin. Meanwhile, Elias is nearby playing a guitar and mocking Corbin through song. Strowman listens to Elias' song, and Elias tells Strowman that Corbin is hiding in a nearby limousine. He kicks a rear view mirror and tosses the driver out, then grabs a pipe and breaks the window. He rips the door out, then a scared Corbin runs out. Strowman tells him he had better run, then he runs into a shocked WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, who gets angry with him.
After the commercial break, Braun Strowman tries to fix the limousine door before WWE Chairman Vince McMahon chews him out, calling him "a danger zone" and telling him his destruction will cost him $100,000. Strowman tells him the limo isn't even worth $100,000, and Vince punishes him by taking him out of the Universal Championship match with Brock Lesnar. Strowman responds by toppling the limo after Vince walks away.
Backstage, police officers escort Braun Strowman out of the arena while Baron Corbin laughs.
"Rowdy" Ronda Rousey and Sasha Banks beat Nia Jax and Tamina with a Banks Statement to Tamina. After the match, Charly Caruso interviews Ronda and Sasha. Ronda says that she and Sasha trusted each other because they respect each other. She says that beating Sasha will be a great accomplishment as a champion. Sasha takes offense to his, thinking that Ronda is saying she is the only person who can tap people out in the Women's Division. She says she will do it anytime and anywhere, and that she will teach Ronda to lose with class. Ronda tells Sasha to keep her title of "world's classiest loser," but Sasha tells Ronda she is not scared of her and to get used to not having her way when he makes her tap out and takes the Raw Women's title at Royal Rumble. When Sasha leaves, Ronda catches up with her and tries to explain herself, but Sasha has none of it. Ronda chases after her to the back.
Backstage, some Superstars are seen waiting in front of WWE Chairman's Vince McMahon's office when Jerry "The King" Lawler walks out. Suddenly, No Way Jose shows up with his conga line.
Backstage, Natalya and Bayley keep "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey and Sasha Banks separate. When Ronda and Sasha leave, Bayley and Natalya argue over who started what when The Riott Squad (Ruby Riott, Liv Morgan, Sarah Logan) make fun of everyone not getting along while they stick together. Ruby says they like nothing more than taking a bad situation and making it worse, and challenge them to a six-woman tag team match, assuming they can find a partner.
Before the next match, Scott Dawson calls out The Lucha House Party (Kalisto, Lince Dorado, Gran Metalik) watched him and Dash Wilder get screwed last week, and Dash Wilder says they turned their backs on them. Dawson says there will be a price to pay after last week, and tonight, The Lucha House Party will pay up.
During the next match, Dasha Fuentes announces that the entire locker room wants to replace Braun Strowman in the Universal title match at Royal Rumble. Apollo Crews is interviewed, but he is interrupted by Curt Hawkins, who also wants a shot. EC3 is seen grinning, then The B-Team says the "B" stands for Brock Lesnar. They both leave when asked who will face Lesnar. Heath Slater says he doesn't want to face Lesnar, but Rhyno might.
The Revival (Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder) beat The Lucha House Party (Kalisto and Gran Metalik) after Dash Wilder pushes Gran Metalik's foot of the rope during a pinfall.
Dasha Fuentes interviews WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, who says he is going to the ring to announce who will replace Brock Lesnar in the Universal Championship match at Royal Rumble.
The Little Family are the recipients of the Glass Seat Upgrade.
WWE Chairman Vince McMahon shows up. As soon as Vince McMahon can even speak, John Cena shows up out of nowhere. Cena says he knows what Vince is going to say and do, and that Vince is going to tell someone to step up. He says that while everyone left Vince high and dry, Vince turned to a crew of rejects and misfits and asks somebody to step up. Cena says he was the first to say he would not let him down if he gave him a chance. This led to more chances and missed birthdays and funerals to get to where he is, and he says that to step up is to make this your life. He asks for a chance, and he says he will not let Vince down. He says that he will walk into the men's Royal Rumble match, win the whole thing, and become a 17-time World Champion because he has something others don't: ruthless aggression. Suddenly, Drew McIntyre shows up telling Cena to stop what he is doing right now, and says he does not care for any of Cena's accomplishments before claiming Cena does not have ruthless aggression. He tells Vince that he is what ruthless aggression looks like, and tells Cena "Your time is up," before telling Vince "My time is now." He tells Cena he can leave like "Stone Cold" Steve Austin and The Rock before him. Baron Corbin shows up, saying his life was threatened earlier tonight by Braun Strowman, and while he does not have a lawyer on speed dial, he can agree with Vince giving him a Universal title match against Brock Lesnar. Finn Balor shows up, saying he is a little tired of being left out of these kinds of conversation, and says that while everyone else can make claims to a lot of things, he is the only one here who held the Universal Championship. Vince says he may hold it again, but there is a lot of beef out here. He says Finn may be a great competitor, but he isn't too sure about Finn Balor's chances. Finn says Vince may never have believed in him, but the people did. He says that nothing he says can change Vince's mind, he might as well show him. He hits Corbin, starting a brawl that ends with McIntyre laying everyone out. Vince makes a Fatal 4-Way match between Cena, Finn, McIntyre and Corbin with the winner facing Brock Lesnar for the Universal title at Royal Rumble.
Backstage, WWE Chairman Vince McMahon is met by Jinder Mahal, who wants a shot at the WWE Universal Championship. Vince allows him to pick between John Cena, Baron Corbin, Finn Balor and Drew McIntyre, and if he wins, he takes that man's place at Royal Rumble. Jinder picks Finn Balor. Vince simply tells him "Good luck."
Natalya and Bayley's partner is revealed to be none other than Nikki Cross.
Bayley, Natalya and Nikki Cross beat The Riott Squad (Ruby Riott, Liv Morgan, Sarah Logan).
Backstage, Fin Balor sees Dana Brooke and Mickie James chatting with Lacey Evans.
We hear from Dean Ambrose, who is irritated with having to defend the WWE Intercontinental Championship against Seth Rollins and Bobby Lashley. Nevertheless, he says nobody will take the title away from him.
Finn Balor beats Jinder Mahal.
We hear from Lio Rush, who says that it is time for people like Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose to suffer, as Bobby Lashley is a fighter and the champion the people need. He says that Lashley will become champion whether people like it or not. He tells Rollins and Ambrose to either come correct or don't come at all, as Lashley is coming to collect the WWE Intercontinental Championship.
We look back on the break-up of The Rockers (Shawn Michaels and Marty Jannetty), courtesy of Glass, in theaters Friday.
Before the next match, Charly Caruso interviews Seth Rollins, who says this might be his last chance to regain the WWE Intercontinental Championship. He says he will make the most of his opportunity by kicking Dean Ambrose's teeth down his throat. He mentions himself and Dean telling Roman Reigns he didn't have to face leukemia alone shortly before Dean turned on him, and says that while Bobby Lashley has a physique, physique only gets you so far. He says that what matters is what you do bell-to-bell, and he plans to lay it all on the line to take the Intercontinental title back.
Bobby Lashley beats Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins to become the WWE Intercontinental Champion after Lio Rush pulls the top rope down as Seth Rollins goes for The Stomp on Dean Ambrose, allowing Lashley to hit Ambrose with the Spear for the win and the title.
A backstage worker knocks on Alexa Bliss' locker room door with her latte. When she fails to answer, he opens the door and walks in on her getting dressed, much to Alexa's chagrin.
It's time for A Moment Of Bliss. She talks about WWE Chairman Vince McMahon introducing the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships, and announces that three teams from Raw and three teams from SmackDown Live will compete at Elimination Chamber for the titles. After unveiling the women's tag team titles, she then introduces tonight's guest, Paul Heyman. Heyman says that Brock Lesnar will still be Universal Champion after Royal Rumble, and says that regardless of whom Lesnar faces, he will win. All of a sudden, Otis Dozovic shows up and looks at the women's tag titles. Tucker Knight has to show up and hold Otis back, and a referee and an official have to get Otis to the back.
Finn Balor beats John Cena, Baron Corbin and Drew McIntyre in a Fatal 4-Way to face Brock Lesnar for the WWE Universal Championship at Royal Rumble. After the match, John Cena tells Finn Balor that he has one more person believing in him. He shakes Finn's hand, then raises his hand in a show of respect.
The show begins with a brawl between Seth Rollins and Bobby Lashley being broken up by referees, officials, security members of the Raw roster and even announcers. The brawl spills out onto the stage, where Seth and Lashley continue brawling. More people have to get involved, but both men are eventually separated.
John Cena shows up to start tonight's show. He welcomes everyone to the show as well as to the road to WrestleMania. He says that on that road, you either step up or get left out, and he refuses to be left out again this year. He plans to step up right now, for on the road to WrestleMania, there is one match where anybody can grab the golden ticket to a main event match at WrestleMania: the Royal Rumble Match. He says that in life, nothing is given away or handed out; every inch much be earned, and he wants to earn that golden ticket. Cena then officially enters himself into this year's Royal Rumble Match. Suddenly, Drew McIntyre shows up, and says that he has waited for his moment for years, and unlike everyone else, he does not care who Cena shares his bed with or about his stupid haircut; all he cares about is his sixteen World championships. He cares that Cena has headlined multiple WrestleManias and that WWE Chairman Vince McMahon called him the greatest, as he agrees with Vince when he says that Cena is the greatest of all time. McIntyre says he has a history of taking out the greats such as The Shield (Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns), Dolph Ziggler, and Kurt Angle, and that he is the most dangerous man in WWE and that he is coming for Cena. Cena says he was having a great time until now, and says that it is sad that he has heard the same thing every week from every other Superstar to the point that he had to leave so everyone could come up with a different promo. He asks McIntyre what makes him different from anyone else, and McIntyre replies by simply stating that everyone else is all talk and that he will show Cena what he is capable of first-hand. Suddenly, Lio Rush and Bobby Lashley show up, and Lio Rush says that if something is not done about Seth Rollins, he and Lashley will get a lawyer. As Lio Rush says that tonight's show is officially cancelled, Seth Rollins sneaks up on Lio and Lashley to attack the latter, and Dean Ambrose rushes in to attack Lashley. Cena fights off Ambrose, and McIntyre attacks Cena. This leads to a brawl at ringside, and Finn Balor runs in to fight McIntyre in the ring before taking everyone else out with a hands-free tope con hilo.
John Cena, Seth Rollins and Finn Balor beat Drew McIntyre, Bobby Lashley and Dean Ambrose. After the match, Triple H is seen talking with Bayley and Sasha Banks backstage on the TitanTron. Seth Rollins, noticing this, heads to the back immediately, while John Cena and Finn Balor high-five some front row fans. Backstage, Rollins knocks the cup of coffee out of Triple H and demands Dean Ambrose and the WWE Intercontinental Championship tonight. Triple H says he's got it, and it will be in a Falls Count Anywhere Match. He then says "Welcome back."
WWE honors the life of WWE Hall of Famer "Mean" Gene Okerlund with a ten-bell salute. Afterwards, Hulk Hogan shows up. Hogan says he came out in character because it is how "Mean" Gene would have wanted it, as he loved entertaining the fans more than anything else. We then see a video package celebrating "Mean" Gene Okerlund's life and career. Hogan says that Okerlund was one of a kind, and that he can speak for everybody when he says "Mean Gene...we love you, brother." He says that Okerlund may no longer be with him, but he is always in his heart. As the crowd chants "Thank you, Mean Gene," Hulk looks at the "In Memoriam" picture on the TitanTron and says he knows what exactly he was doing in Heaven and asks the Hulkamaniacs in Heaven "Whatcha gonna do when Mean Gene-O-Mania runs wild on you, brother?"
Bobby Roode and Chad Gable retain the WWE Raw Tag Team Championships against The Revival (Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder) in a Lumberjack Match despite Scott Dawson's foot being on the bottom rope when he is pinned by Chad Gable.
Elias is in the ring. He plays guitar, then says that as he looked back on 2018, he wept at the level of stardom he has and how quickly he had reached it. He dropped a debut album and performed all around the world, and it has brought him here to Orlando, Florida. He then says that if 2018 was great, it is nothing compared to what he has in store for 2019, for on January 27th, he will enter and win the men's Royal Rumble Match. However, as much as he has enjoyed his success, he has enjoyed the failures of Baron Corbin, as he went from being on top of the world as Raw General Manager-Elect to being a joke. He is about to perform a song where he makes fun of Corbin's failures when Corbin shows up, saying nobody can stand another mind-numbing performance from Elias and that nobody knows what is like to have had a job like General Manager-Elect. He says he should have everyone's respect and admiration after all he has done, but nobody gets it or understands and everyone disrespects him and wants him to disappear as a result. He says that won't happen, and like Elias, he will enter the men's Royal Rumble Match and go on to WrestleMania. Elias tells Corbin to shut his mouth before Corbin can say much else.
Baron Corbin beats Elias.
We hear from Dean Ambrose, who asks what the world is coming to before saying he never liked six-man tag team matches due to being "unnatural" and that it hurts him to hurt Seth. He says that he sacrificed everything to take the Intercontinental Championship from Seth Rollins and bring balance back to the WWE, and tonight, he will burn Seth Rollins down no matter where he has to do it.
Braun Strowman shows up. He considers talking on the microphone, but instead, he dares Brock Lesnar to get in the ring. Paul Heyman and Lesnar are seen backstage, and Heyman introduces Lesnar. Heyman says he knows how much money has been spent to hype Lesnar and Strowman's face-to-face confrontation, but the card is subject to change and that if Lesnar were in the ring right now, Strowman would be on his back looking up at him. Lesnar and Strowman smirk, then Strowman says he is waiting in the ring for Lesnar to get in his face like Heyman said he was going to do. He then accuses Lesnar of being a coward, and says Lesnar should thank Heyman for keeping in the back so he won't get these hands. Lesnar hands the WWE Universal Championship to Heyman and heads to the ring to hear what Strowman has to say, with Heyman following close behind. Lesnar circles the ring, then heads back to the back. Strowman tells Lesnar to turn around, and says he will be crowned WWE Universal Champion at Royal Rumble.
Before the next match, Jinder Mahal asks everyone to meditate with him, and asks Alicia Fox to lead the way. Jinder then chews out the front row for not meditating before verbally disrespecting Orlando, Florida. This is interrupted by the entrance of Ember Moon and Apollo Crews.
Apollo Crews and Ember Moon beat Jinder Mahal and Alicia Fox.
It's time for A Moment Of Bliss. After announcing that Orlando, Florida will become known as the place where her new segment started, she then introduces tonight's guest, "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey. Ronda says she wants to look forward and not back when asked about her 2018, and says she needs to test her limits with a vengeance. She says one woman has taken her to her limits and is the unsung hero of Raw: Sasha Banks. All of a sudden, Nia Jax shows up making fake vomiting noises, and says Ronda has a girl crush on Sasha before asking if she forgot about her. She says that is Seth Rollins is getting a title rematch, she should get one, too. Suddenly, Sasha Banks shows up and agrees with Ronda, and says she would love to face her for the Raw Women's Championship and teach her how to lose with dignity and class. Nia Jax reminds Sasha she is a 300+ pound Samoan woman who can break her face, and Sasha immediately challenges Nia Jax to a match where the winner gets Ronda when Nia tells her to go to the back of the line.
Sasha Banks beats Nia Jax with the Banks Statement to face "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey for the WWE Raw Women's Championship at Royal Rumble.
Dean Ambrose retains the WWE Intercontinental Championship against Seth Rollins in a Falls County Anywhere after interference by Bobby Lashley. After the match, Lio Rush and Lashley pull a table out from underneath the ring before putting Rollins through it.
